Phytochemical study of some weeds of family Euphorbiaceae
Jay Singh Patel, M Salim and Pratima Patel
Members of the Euphorbiaceae family were tested phytochemically for their solvent solubility. A qualitative analysis of secondary metabolites was performed to determine the presence of alkaloids, tannins, proteins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, saponins, kinins, glycosides, carbohydrates and amino acids. The results showed that all species examined (e.g., Euphorbia tirucalli, Chrozophora rottleri and Phyllanthus reticulates) responded negatively to steroids; this shows that these plants can be used as food and feed. From the results and data it appears that the presence of phenol indicates the benefits of this herb. The results also showed that members of the Euphorbiaceae family contain phytochemicals that are soluble in organic solvents.